Learning, Developmental and Family Sciences, MA
Program Requirements
Learning
Situated within the multidisciplinary fields of Learning Sciences and Educational Psychology, this concentration emphasizes the systematic study of psychological, social, and cultural processes in learning and development. It is committed to preparing students to design diverse learning experiences across formal and informal contexts that promote purposeful, agentic, and enjoyable learning and growth, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion.
Students will be prepared to design learning experiences in various formal and informal contexts (e.g., classrooms, schools, centers, communities, and homes), drawing on multiple perspectives (e.g., psychological, sociocultural, critical, design-based, and neuroscience approaches). Within professional and academic networks, students will develop adaptive learning environments that empower participants in diverse educational and community settings, with particular attention to our distinctive urban context.
This concentration offers a comprehensive foundation in Learning Sciences or Educational Psychology, preparing you for applied settings or doctoral studies in fields such as Learning Sciences, Educational Psychology, Psychological Studies, or Education and Human Development.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| LDFS 5110 | Human Learning | 3 |
| LDFS 6750 | Designing Environment for Learning and Development | 3 |
| LDFS 6320 | Mind, Brain, and Education | 3 |
| or LDFS 6600 | Motivation in Contexts | |
| or LDFS 6200 | Human Development Over the Life Span | |
| or LDFS 6140 | Social Contexts of Adolescence and Schooling | |
| RSEM 5100 | Basic Statistics | 3 |
| RSEM 5120 | Introduction to Research Methods | 3 |
| LDFS 6950 | Culminating Capstone Experience | 3 |
| Personalized Professional Master's (PPMA) Inventory | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Human Development and Family Relations (HDFR)
Students will engage in developing their skills to work in and lead community-based organizations including, but not limited to secular, faith-based, for profit, nonprofit, school-based, and local, state, federal and international organizations. The importance of family diversity and social justice is stressed throughout the HDFR curriculum through its courses and experiences. Students can also develop their knowledge in family relations in preparation for doctorate studies in family science and human development or related areas.
The LDFS program does provide a pathway for MA students (HDFR and Learning areas) to pursue their PhD in Education and Human Development with a Family Science and Human Development concentration. For more information, please visit our School of Education and Human Development.
The HDFR area also provides classes to all School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) graduate programs, offering courses in family theories, family dynamics, and diverse family systems, Latino family, school and community systems, family resource management, leadership and organizations, grant writing and fundraising, program development and other family relations based courses.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| HDFR 6000 | Family Theories | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| LDFS 6100 | Advanced Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| or LDFS 6140 | Social Contexts of Adolescence and Schooling | |
| or LDFS 6200 | Human Development Over the Life Span | |
| LDFS 5110 | Human Learning | 3 |
| RSEM 5100 | Basic Statistics | 3 |
| RSEM 5120 | Introduction to Research Methods | 3 |
| LDFS 6950 | Culminating Capstone Experience | 3 |
| Personalized Professional Master's (PPMA) Inventory | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Culminating Capstone Experience
All students must complete a culminating capstone experience in the MA in Learning, Developmental and Family Sciences, Human Development and Family Relations and Learning tracks. Students can choose between an applied project or thesis. Students should consult with their faculty advisor as they weigh their options for the capstone to choose the option which best matches their academic and professional goals.
Option 1: Applied Project
An applied project may take the form of an action research project, an applied development project, or an applied evaluation project. The applied project allows for considerable flexibility in the type of project undertaken.
Option 2: Thesis
The thesis provides experience in conducting an empirical investigation, but provides a great deal of flexibility based on students’ interests. The investigation may be qualitative (involving interviews and observation) or quantitative (involving measured variables) or mixed-methods and should address a question of practical importance to the student and the field in general.
Students are expected to attend one of the required LDFS MA Capstone Orientation provide by the LDFS faculty during each academic year. For more specific details concerning the Capstone please contact your faculty advisor.
Registration for Capstone
All students are required to register for LDFS 6950 Culminating Capstone Experience as part of their degree requirements. LDFS 6950 Culminating Capstone Experience is offered in fall semester only and should be taken in students’ final fall in the program.
Students who do not complete their applied project or defend their thesis in the fall semester they are registered for LDFS 6950 Culminating Capstone Experience are able to continue working on their applied project or thesis beyond the fall semester with faculty permission.